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Excel Academy of South Shore

Experience high school differently. With a small, supportive setting, Excel Academy of South Shore offers an accelerated high school track where your student can earn up to 10 credits per year — tuition-free — and graduate in 2.5 years or less. Available to students ages 15-21, our program is focused on academic success, emotional wellness, and social growth.

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School Info

Address

7530 South South Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60649

Hours
Mon – Fri 7:55 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Grades
9-12

Phone
1-773-902-7800

District
Chicago Public Schools

  • School Calendar

    Learn more about important dates on our 2025-2026 school year calendar.
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  • Student Handbook

    This handbook outlines expectations and support to help you graduate.
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  • Public Act 103-0641

    Illinois law requires schools to post Type 1 diabetes info to help parents recognize signs and support early diagnosis.
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  • CDC

    Click for information about Type 1 Diabetes as well as signs, symptoms, and treatment.
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  • Student and Family Resources

    Get up-to-date information for students and families.
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  • Understanding Type 1 Diabetes for Parents and Guardians

    Download to learn the warning signs of type 1 diabetes for early detection.
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Designed to help students ages 15-21 who are behind in credits, Excel Academy of South Shore is a tuition-free school of choice where students feel safe, seen, and supported.

Relationships are at the heart of our school. We get to know each student to identify their individual needs, challenges, and strengths, and then provide the care, counseling, and support needed to help them succeed in school—and in life.

In a smaller, more personal setting than traditional high schools can provide, Excel Academy is an accelerated program that provides your student with the opportunity to earn up to 5 credits per semester and 10 credits per year, making it possible for them to graduate in 2.5 years or less.

By developing coping and problem-solving skills, Excel Academy students build emotional resilience, gain confidence, and recognize their own agency in realizing their full potential.

Discover What Sets Excel Academy of South Shore Apart

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Our Learning Pathways

  • Accelerated: Credit Recovery and Graduation Readiness

    Accelerated: Credit Recovery and Graduation Readiness

    Students We Serve

    • Over-age or under-credited students at risk of dropping out of high school

    • Learners who have experienced chronic absences or academic disruption

    • Students motivated to catch up and graduate but in need of structured academic planning

    • Youth exploring post-secondary options who benefit from individualized guidance and support

    Alternative Education Student Profiles
  • Academic and Behavioral Support

    Academic and Behavioral Support

    We cultivate learning environments where instruction aligns with industry standards and district-specific curriculum requirements and ongoing support encourages prosocial behavior inside and outside the classroom.

  • Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness

    Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness

    No matter where a student’s unique learning journey leads, SESI helps prepare them for the next step—whether that’s graduation, vocational school, or job training.

  • Credit Recovery and Grade Advancement

    Credit Recovery and Grade Advancement

    We offer dedicated programs to help students earn credits at an accelerated pace—almost twice as fast as in traditional classrooms. This proven approach helps close grade-level gaps and keep students on track for graduation.

  • Tailored Programs

    Tailored Programs

    We carefully assess unique student needs and then craft personalized programs that allow each student to reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. Progress is continuously monitored, ensuring key milestones are met and celebrated.

Meet Our Team

With deep experience and dedication to helping all students discover their full potential, our leaders provide an unwavering commitment to supporting our teachers, therapists, and other staff while fostering relationships with families and district partners.

Contact Us Schedule a Tour

  • Rosie holds master’s degrees in educational leadership from Northwestern University and business administration from Argosy University. With over 20 years of experience in education, she is deeply committed to equity, student achievement, and lifelong learning.

    Rosie joined Excel Academy of South Shore in 2020 as director of student services. Her leadership contributed to our school receiving the Office of School Counseling and Post-Secondary Advising Gold Award in 2023, recognizing the school for the highest completion of key performance and post-secondary readiness tasks among Option schools. In 2024, she was named director.

    She is passionate about fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive school culture that emphasizes emotional wellness, life skills, and college and career readiness. Rosie is dedicated to ensuring every student is equippedwith the tools and confidence to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.

What People Are Saying

Across our schools and programs, we’re proud to partner with families, educators, and district leaders to support student success. Hear firsthand how our collaborative approach, experienced staff, and commitment to individualized education are making a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.

  • I like that the school is strict with student behavior and that it has talk time that allows students to express their feelings and needs. I like that it is small class sizes and that students get just what they need to graduate to start adulthood.

    Ollie A.
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Events & Stories

  • School Events and Stories

    Chicago Excel & SAFE Campuses Shine at Options Awards Ceremony
    Several campuses from Excel and SAFE Academies of Chicago were recognized for their outstanding achievements during the 2024-2025 Chicago Public Schools…
    May 19, 2025
  • School Events and Stories

    Excel Academies Students Exercise Their Right to Vote
    The Excel Academies of Chicago, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, held a voter registration drive earlier this…
    December 12, 2024
  • School Events and Stories

    Excel Academy students gain job experience and learn new skills
    This summer, Excel Academy of Chicago students, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, participated in the city-wide One…
    August 12, 2024

Resources

  • Articles

    Mel’s Progress at the High Road School of Hartford
    After two and a half years at the High Road School of Hartford, 14-year-old Mel is preparing to transition to a…
  • News

    SPECIALIZED EDUCATION SERVICES, INC. ANNOUNCES 2025 TEACHER AND STAFF OF THE YEAR WINNERS
    Fourth annual awards program celebrates team members’ dedication to students in special and alternative education settings PHILADELPHIA, May 29, 2025…
  • News

    Small Change, Big Impact: How Buehrle Students Turned Pennies into Possibility for Autism Awareness Month
    Every month, students at Buehrle Academy take on a new challenge not for grades, but for good. Students are invited to participate…

FAQ’s

  • Yes! We have a year-round enrollment policy, allowing students to join our program at any time during the school year.

  • Simply complete the registration form available on our website, or contact us directly for assistance. We’ll guide you through the process to ensure a smooth transition.

Contact Excel Academy of South Shore